Donna Chaffee & Daniel Sun

September 9, 2017

Donna and Daniel met when they went to high school at different schools through a mutual friend. They grew close when Donna tested positive for Huntington’s Disease, which her mother has. Dan became a great friend to help her through a depression which followed that diagnosis. Their friendship grew into love.

In 2012 Dan and Donna went on a vacation to the Bahamas. They spent they day swimming with dolphins and shopping at port. While shopping Donna found a ring she really liked and thought would be perfect for a promise ring but Dan had a different opinion. He thought it would be a great ring for an engagement ring and asked Donna to marry him as they walked back to the ship!

Their September 9, 2017 wedding was a royal affair. The ivory, gold and royal blue colors along with the Beauty and the Beast theme made Donna look like a princess. One of the most memorable moments of the day was when Donna got to dance with her step dad and they shared a smile with her mom, who because of her disease has a hard time showing emotion. Donna’s mother’s huge smile is something she’ll never forget.

When asked, Donna suggested the best advice she can give a couple getting married is, “Get a Photo Booth! It’s so fun all of our guests loved it!”

About Stacie Ricklefs

I LOVE a good love story! My husband and I met our freshman year of college when he drew my name out of a hat to write a bio about me in English class. Almost 10 years of marriage later he is still my best friend and partner in raising our 3 handsome little men. Love stories are what drew me into becoming a photographer and owner of Stacie Ricklefs Photo + Design. I still tear up at weddings during the beautiful intimate moments... but always after I get the killer shots of them.

Kevin and Esther’s love of the beach was not only incorporated into their romantic proposal, but also into their beautiful rustic beach themed wedding. Family and friends were invited to share in the romance of their special day while enjoying the beautiful views and paradise of Bonita Springs, Florida. Richard Guin Films was happy to capture this day to share.

Brad and Jaclyn’s sweet love story will melt your heart as you read it. Jaclyn was overwhelmed with emotion and sentimental tears as she shared their journey together. Brian Hall photographers, Inc. captured their special day for them to cherish forever and to share with you!

Cynthia Whitters and Phillip Hynek were high school sweethearts at Prairie High School in Cedar Rapids, IA. Phil was a year ahead of Cindy, and friends with her older brother Tom, which is how they got to know one another.

Jill and Morgan may have “celebrity status” here in Cedar Rapids, however their love story is one that many of you can relate to and they were happy to share their story and photos to inspire other couples. Eleanor Kathryn Photography did a great job capturing their cherished moments to have and to hold forever.

Two important things that can help you are Wedding Insurance (sometimes called Wedding Cancellations Insurance) and Wedding Liability Insurance. Jeff Barnes is president of Jeff Barnes Agency, INC., an American Family Insurance agency in Cedar Rapids. He has over 28 years experience as an award winning agent and wants to help you be prepared so you can relax and enjoy your special day.

When planning a wedding, you always wish you had more time: researching vendors, planning Pinterest-worthy decor, and creating the wedding schedule seems to fill more hours than you have available. Heck, even finding time to just cook a healthy meal is difficult. With Nichole Bushong’s help, you’ll get it all done and have more time back in your day.

This heartwarming story features a small town girl from Nebraska who meets a small town boy from Wisconsin. Becky Appleby and her team from Appleby Photography were honored to capture their special day to share and help inspire you!

Whether you want unique ways to make your wedding theme more striking, you want an outdoor ceremony or just a fantastic view for your cocktail hour, Coralville Marriott Hotel & Conference Center and Brown Deer Golf Club is your answer.

Vicki and Matt share a fondness of stout beer, so it made perfect sense to incorporate a brewery reception into their wedding. Married in Madison, Wisconsin and captured by Appleby Photography, the couple let their family and friends take part in their love of beer.

Tyler and Ashley chose a rustic theme for their wedding day so Celebration Farm was the perfect venue to pull it off. Yellow, gray, and white were their colors. Their wedding was absolutely gorgeous and they were excited to share their story and photos with other’s to help them plan for their big day as well! Tracy Griffin of T Marie Portraits and Photo Booth did an excellent job capturing their photos and putting together a slide show.

Everyone can relate to Erin and Seth’s heartwarming love story. They are a beautiful couple both on the inside and out, and AE Photography LLC did an amazing job capturing not only their engagement, but their breathtaking wedding as well.

Brian and Julie had a classic black and white wedding with a reception at Brown Deer! Brian Hall Photographers captured this unforgettable modern, yet timeless wedding to share with you for inspiration.

Greenery, Pantone’s choice for the Color of the Year for 2017, is certainly getting a lot of attention and setting wedding trends all around the world. However, did you know that Pantone has also released nine other stunning colors as part of their Pantone Spring Color Report?

Scott and Kolbi’s love of people and helping others connected them forever. This energetic couple planned and decorated much of their beautiful wedding solo and it’s no surprise that they want to share it with other couples for inspiration!

Tom and Mandy met by chance through a mutual friend/co-worker on a trip to Las Vegas, May 20, 2012. Watch their touching video on how they met, fell in love, the proposal, finding their perfect home, and why they love each other.

This Real Wedding couple is extra special since they ironically met at wedding in which they were both part of the wedding party! Neither Allison nor William expected their lives would change forever by being part of a wedding, but they’re so grateful it has!

Chris and Hanna met each other through a mutual friend and ended up going on a blind date. The date ended at Texas Road House where they stayed for hours…. well into closing time. Chris and Hanna didn’t even realize the restaurant had closed!

Kristi and Matt had a gorgeous Iowa vintage barn wedding with shades of neutral, blush and navy. Much of their decor with DIY and found with the help of family and friends making their day extra special. Linda Drish of Drish Photography captured this beautiful wedding day to share with you.

Couples can really benefit from couples massage. “It would be great if they came on a regular basis, as it helps them to relax and communicate with each other better.,” says Wahneta. “Once a month would keep their relationship grounded and balanced, while helping them to speak from the heart.”

Stephanie Marie is an overly-enthusiastic destination wedding photographer that rocks at what she does. She lives for the unposed, authentic, and fun photo sessions. She captures connections you can feel with your eyes. Take a look at this fun, playful pillow fight and beach session. All this was done just for you, to show you what you can do with your engagement photos! Get creative, this is Iowa and we have some serious talent to help you capture some amazing photos you’ll want to blow up for your wall! Be forewarned – if you call Stephanie, she’s a huge goofball and she’ll probably give you a big bear hug when you meet either for coffee (or happy hour) to chat about your wedding plans! As stressful as wedding planning is, choosing a kick-ass photographer shouldn’t be. Want more inspiration from Stephanie Marie Photography? Then check out her website at www.stephaniemarie.com. Models: Melyssa & Darren January 22, 2016

Before you got that gorgeous ring on your finger, you probably didn’t realize how much work wedding planning would be. Luckily, bridal shows are a huge help, saving you time, money and effort–as long as you prepare! Much like speed-dating, a bridal show gives you the chance to meet many wedding professionals in a short amount of time. In one day, you’ll have the opportunity to taste an array of cakes, smell fresh bouquet flowers and see different photography styles.

The Little Lights Collaboration started at Tuesday’s Together, a networking group based off The Rising Tide Society where entrepreneurs meet monthly and discuss various business topics. Many of the members are talented photographers who put together styled photo shoots. This styled shoot is called Little Lights Collaboration because Amanda Remington of Little Lights Weddings & Events planned it along with the area’s creatives to show off what Iowa professionals can do! The photography posted here is compliments of Stacie Ricklefs Photo + Design. This spring styled photo shoot’s theme is “Black Tie and Botanicals”. It takes place at the recently opened venue, Little Lights Weddings & Events in the historic downtown of West Branch, Iowa. Little Lights is eye catching from the moment you walk in the door. Your eyes will gaze at the exposed wood timbers, custom made chandelier and Edison bulbs, the re-purposed vintage bar, the hardwood floor, exposed brick, and hand crafted farmhouse tables. It’s historic, vintage, and rustic all in one and it is stunning. The bride is wearing a Privato gown, and the groom is in a classic black suit with a bow tie. The simple greenery for florals stands out against the neutral white, ivory, and black […]

Your wedding stationary is the first glimpse your guests get into your wedding. A beautifully done save-the-date or invitation will give them a sense of your style. Emily, owner of EmDesign, wants every bride and groom to get the oohs and aahs from amazing wedding invitations.

Michael and Lili enjoyed a classic wedding. Lili envisioned and brought to life the style of East meets the West. The theme for the day was black and gold with a touch of the 1920’s. Lili used a golden touch of glamour throughout the day. It turned out beautifully and the day was unforgettable.

Simon and Cathy met through friends on a Sunday night at Belgium beer garden on St. Kilda road in Melbourne. They started chatting and learned they had a bit in common – their appreciation for good Australian wine.

Steph and Tim got married on Labor Day weekend so it was only fitting their theme was Rustic Americana with a red, white, and blue color palette. It was a charming Iowa wedding full of love and great inspiration. Appleby Photography took great photos to share.

Jule and Kenny loved their beautiful romantic and antique chic wedding day at Celebration Farms. They planned their wedding together and enjoyed every part of it and are truly honored to share their story with the community to inspire others.

Every year, wedding professionals wait with baited breath to see what Pantone will say their Color of the Year will be. For those of you unfamiliar, Pantone is kind of the industry standard for color choice with designers + printers. And, for many trendsetters in fashion, the wedding industry, and beyond you’ll find that their announcement of the ‘color of the year’ can really play a role in the designs + decor to come.

Hot of the presses is this super sweet wedding for Brielle and Ryan at the National Czech and Slovak Museum! It was flawlessly photographed by associates Anna H. + Stacie M., can I just tell you how proud I am of the amazing team at Robyn Photo?! Eek!!

Amanda and Zachary had a gorgeous Iowa summer wedding. They combined modern elegance with their Iowa roots by celebrating their reception at a charming farmhouse. Stacie Ricklefs Photo + Design was happy to capture this unforgettable day to share and inspire you.

Every bride wants an amazing wedding dress. Finding that perfect dress is a special milestone in wedding planning. Elegant Repeats and Elegant Bridal has 24 years of experience helping brides reach that milestone while not breaking the bank.

Kerry Brewer, catering sales manager at the Cedar Rapids Marriott Hotel, has that passion and is excited to help brides and grooms have the best reception possible. With almost 26 years of experience, she enjoys seeing dreams come true and making people happy.

Peg and Don were older in life when they met and fell in love. They were happy just being together, until one day Don said they were getting married. And they did, in a parade on a float, at Atkin’s annual Watermelon Days!

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The Corridor Wedding Guide is an annual publication distributed by Marry Me Media. The local book debuts every January with new wedding planning tips, ideas, and with the list of the area’s elite vendors.